HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS have been stepping onto the judo mat in a bid to have the extra edge in Super League XII.

Coach Jon Sharp's squad have held karate and wrestling sessions in the past to help develop their tackling techniques.

But now the Giants have turned to the area's judo experts to try and help improve their overall rugby league skills.

Under the watchful eye of instructors Gordon Lambert, a Great Britain judo international, and Huddersfield club chief coach Steve Lawrence, the first-team squad are being put through their paces at Huddersfield Sports Centre on a weekly basis.

And Giants chief Sharp is delighted with the way the sessions have progressed.

"At this stage of the season, you're always looking at trying to keep training varied," said Sharp (inset).

"It's a way of keeping the players fresh and interested in what they are doing at a period of the year when training can become a bit of a slog and a bind.

"But, fortunately, because of sessions like this, the lads are enjoying themselves.

"And, obviously, the sessions are proving very worthwhile.

"We're delighted with the service the judo instructors have given us, and we couldn't be happier with the quality of Gordon and Steve's sessions.

"The techniques we're using will hopefully be of tremendous benefit to the boys next season. We're confident they will."

Taking part in the latest session was new big arrival John Skandalis.

The former Wests Tigers prop is now in full training with his new teammates, and Sharp is delighted with the way he has settled in.

"John's only been here a few days, but his professionalism is shining through," he added.